Friday Clemson football practice report

by CU Athletic Communications - Fri Aug 13 14:29:52 GMT-04:00 2010

Clemson, SC—Clemson held a “tough” two hour and 20 minute morning practice on Friday. The Tigers practiced just once on Friday and took the afternoon off to travel to Bamberg, SC to attend a visitation for Dennis Bowers, the father of Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers, who passed away suddenly this past Sunday.

The Tigers will return Friday night and will hold a stadium scrimmage on Saturday morning. Following the scrimmage, the team will attend a barbeque at the stadium with former Clemson coaches and lettermen.

“It was a tough practice after holding a late night practice Thursday night,” said Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney. “That was a quick turnaround, but they pushed through it. We got a lot done. We worked extensively on the red-zone offense and defense.”

Swinney is looking forward to Saturday’s scrimmage. “It will be a little different from last Tuesday morning because we will work on the two-minute drill and goal line offense for the first time in the stadium. I am anxious to see who improves from last Tuesday and who can put two good scrimmages together. Who is going to play consistently.”

Swinney was asked about the tight end position after practice. “I never hear Dwayne Allen at practice anymore. I heard him all the time last year. That means he is becoming a complete player. He has bought into being a complete player. He is pass protecting, and run blocking in addition to catching passes. He had a good role model last year in Michael Palmer. I think he taught him a lot and Dwayne is on his way to a great year.

“The other tight ends have done well also. Drew Traylor is an example of why you don’t write off a player. He has really improved and can be a contributor this year. He obviously had his best summer. So has Darrell Smith and Kasey Nobles. The freshmen are coming along as well.”

Bryce McNeal was the only player who suffered a new injury. He suffered a sprained ankle during the day and could be limited at Saturday’s scrimmage. Defensive back Coty Sensabaugh missed the practice with a sprained foot. All-America cornerback DeAndre McDaniel was back at practice full go. He actually had been released for Thursday night’s practice.